Child seating system and method

ABSTRACT

A seating system for a child includes a base. A formed seat is arranged so as to communicate with and selectively rotate about the base. A retention apparatus includes a first handle and the retention apparatus secures the formed seat to the base. A single actuation and substantially continuous movement of the first handle causes the formed seat to move around the base with respect to at least two different axes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of the invention relates to seating systems and, morespecifically, to seating systems for children.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various types of child seating systems have been used over the years.For example, child seats have been used in vehicles in order to restrainthe movement of children in the vehicle and thereby prevent injury tothe seated children in case of an accident involving the vehicle. Forinstance, rear-facing infant seating systems have been used to secureinfants while forward-facing child seats have been used to secure olderchildren. In all of these seating systems, the child is placed in theseat and secured to the seat using a harness system (e.g., a five-pointharness) either incorporated into the seating system or using anexisting harness of the vehicle. Various types of arrangements have alsobeen used to attach the base of the car seat of the vehicle. In oneexample, the Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system isused to attach the base of the child seat to the seat of the vehicle.

One challenge faced by adults or others using these previous childseating systems has been being able to place the child in the child seateasily and quickly without dropping or otherwise injuring the child.More specifically, the child must be simultaneously held by the user andplaced in the car seat without the user dropping or otherwise injuringthe child. For forward-facing seats, this task can be difficult becausethe child may move as the user attempts to place the child into thechild seat and/or the dimensions of the seat relative to the vehicle maybe such that little extra space exists to easily maneuver the child intothe seat.

In an attempt to allow for easier child placement, some systems havebeen developed where the seat swivels towards the side of the vehicle(i.e., facing the passenger door). More specifically, in theseapproaches, the seat swivels from the forward-facing position to aside-facing position at the passenger door. When in the side-facingposition, an adult can more easily place the child in the child seat.

Unfortunately, while in certain respects these systems have made iteasier for the child to be placed in a child seat, other problems stillexist with these previous approaches. For example, complicatedmechanisms were typically used to lock the seat to its base and thesemechanisms were frequently difficult to unlock, turn, or operate,particularly when the user was simultaneously carrying the child intheir arms. Users were also often required to unlock and move the seatin a series of complicated movements and actions increasing thedifficulty in placing the child in the seat and/or the likelihood ofinjury to the child.

Other problems limited the effectiveness of these previous systems inpromoting child safety. For example, previous systems often includedlittle if any additional protective measures to protect the child frominjury in case of an accident (e.g., a side impact crash).

These previous seats could also typically not be used interchangeablybetween different bases. To give one example, a child seat for use in avehicle could only be used with the base in the vehicle and not withbases in any other system. Consequently, different seating systems wereneeded for different situations thereby increasing the cost andinconvenience to consumers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Approaches are described that allow a child seat to be easily andquickly rotated so that a child can be easily and quickly placed andsecured in the seat. Specifically, the seat can be easily rotated by asingle actuation and substantially continuous movement of a singlehandle or actuator, for example, from the forward-facing position to aside-facing position, thereby allowing the child to be placed in orremoved from the seat.

In many of these approaches, the child seat can be rotated in two ormore different directions (i.e., about two or more axes) eithersimultaneously or sequentially. For example, the user may both rotate aseat towards the door and vertically adjust the seat in an upwarddirection with a single actuation and substantially continuous movementof a handle or other actuator. In so doing, the child may be quickly,conveniently, and easily placed and secured in the seat withoututilizing complicated or difficult procedures.

In many of these embodiments, a seating system for a child includes abase. A formed seat is arranged so as to communicate with andselectively rotate about the base. A retention apparatus includes afirst handle or actuator and the retention apparatus secures the formedseat to the base. A single actuation and substantially continuousmovement of the first handle causes the formed seat to move around thebase with respect to at least two different axes.

Various approaches may be used to enhance the protection of the child inthe seat. For example, the formed seat may include an outer form and theouter form includes a substantially continuously-formed side portion andtop enclosure portion that protect substantially the entirety of a childpassenger. In another approach, the formed seat may include at least oneprotective member (such as at least one tubular member, at least onerod, at least one channel, or at least one plate) that is incorporatedinto the seat. Other approaches and/or components may also be used toprovide protection for the child.

Various mechanisms may also be used to secure the formed seat to thebase. For example, the retention apparatus may include one or morecouplers configured to be received in one or more receptacles oropenings disposed in the base. The retention apparatus may furtherinclude one or more connection members that are coupled to the couplers.The connection members may include one or more cables, one or morecords, one or more wires, or one or more levers. Other types ofconnection members may also be used.

In other examples, the seating system may include a second handle oractuator. The second handle also may be coupled to the retentionapparatus. When actuated, the second handle completely disengages theformed seat from the base and allows the seat to be removed from thebase.

The seating system may also include or use one or more harnesses. One ormore substantially vertical slots may be formed in the rear of the seatand be used to position the harnesses relative to the seat. The seatingsystem may further include an indexing system (e.g., index markers) thatis used to determine an appropriate position for the one or moreharnesses to be positioned in the vertical slots.

In some of these approaches, the seating system can be interchangeablyused amongst various types of devices. For example, the base may beadapted to be attached to a vehicle seat, attached to an aircraft seat,incorporated into a stroller, or adapted to be incorporated into a pieceof furniture. As such, the seat can be interchangeable and used with avariety of different systems. In other examples, the base may beintegrated into a vehicular seat.

The seating system can be locked at one or more positions. In oneexample, the formed seat is configured with the base so as to belockable to the base in only a single forward-facing position. In thisexample, the base may include a groove (or pin guide) that includes adetent for temporarily retaining (without locking) the formed seat in aside-facing position. In other examples, the seat may be lockable inmore than one position or in a different position other than theforward-facing position.

The formed seat can have additional features that enhance the comfort ofthe child. For example, the formed seat may include ventilation openingsthat increase air circulation in the seat. In another example, theformed seat is constructed of a breathable material. Furthermore,various panels or cushions can be attached to the formed seat. Forexample, one or more panels or cushions may be attached to the formedseat to adjust the available passenger volume of the seat.

The formed seat may be formed of one or more different components. Inone example, the formed seat includes an inner shell and an outer shell.In this approach and when attached together, the inner shell and theouter shell form and enclose an open space or void that is situatedbetween the inner shell and the outer shell. The open space may be leftunfilled or filled with some type of cushioning material such as airsacks, air bags, or a supportive lattice structure.

Thus, approaches are described that allow a child seat to be easily andquickly rotated so that a child can be quickly and easily placed andsecured in the seat. The approaches described herein easy and convenientto use and, in some examples, provide enhanced protection for theoccupant of the seat. In some examples, the seat can be interchangeablyused between different systems (e.g., a child seat in a vehicle, a childseat in an aircraft, with a stroller, or as furniture).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 a is a top view of a child seating system according to variousembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 1 b is a front view of the child seating system of FIG. 1 aaccording to various embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 1 c is a perspective view of the child seating system of FIGS. 1 aand 1 b according to various embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 1 d is a cross-sectional view of the child seating system alongline 128 of FIGS. 1 a, 1 b, and 1 c according to various embodiments ofthe present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a child seating system according tovarious embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3 a is a side view of a child seating system according to variousembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3 b is a cross-sectional side view of the child seating system ofFIG. 3 a according to various embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3 c is a cross-sectional side view of the child seating system ofFIGS. 3 b and 3 c according to various embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a child seating system according tovarious embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of portions of a retention apparatusaccording to various embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a top view of a retention apparatus according to variousembodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 7 a-d are perspective views of the rotation of the base andretention apparatus of FIG. 6 according to various embodiments of thepresent invention;

FIGS. 8 a-d are perspective views of the rotation of the seat and baseof FIGS. 6 and 7 a-d according to various embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 9 a is a top view of a child seating system including a releasegrip (or actuator) according to various embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 9 b is a perspective view of the release grip (or actuator) of FIG.9 a according to various embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 9 c is a perspective view including the retention apparatus and therelease grip of FIG. 9 a and FIG. 9 b according to various embodimentsof the present invention;

FIG. 10 a is a front view of a child seating system including indexingelements according to various embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 10 b is a front view of the child seating system of FIG. 10 aincluding a harness according to various embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 10 c is a side view of the child seating system of FIGS. 10 and 10b including a harness according to various embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 10 d is a perspective view of a harness guide used in the childseating system of FIGS. 10 a-c according to various embodiments of thepresent invention;

FIG. 10 e is a side view of the harness guide of FIG. 10 d disposed inthe child seat according to various embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 10 f is a side view of the harness guide of FIGS. 10 d and 10 ewith indexing grooves according to various embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a child seating system with a baseintegrated into a vehicle seat according to various embodiments of thepresent invention;

FIG. 12 is a side view of a child seating system used as an infant seataccording to various embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a side view of a child seating system used as part of astroller according to various embodiments of the present invention; and

FIG. 14 is a side view of a child seating system incorporated intofurniture according to various embodiments of the present invention.

Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures areillustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily beendrawn to scale. For example, the dimensions and/or relative positioningof some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative toother elements to help to improve understanding of various embodimentsof the present invention. Also, common but well-understood elements thatare useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are oftennot depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of thesevarious embodiments of the present invention. It will further beappreciated that certain actions and/or steps may be described ordepicted in a particular order of occurrence while those skilled in theart will understand that such specificity with respect to sequence isnot actually required. It will also be understood that the terms andexpressions used herein have the ordinary meaning as is accorded to suchterms and expressions with respect to their corresponding respectiveareas of inquiry and study except where specific meanings have otherwisebeen set forth herein.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to FIGS. 1 a-d, one example of a child seating system 100is described. In some of the examples described herein, the childseating system is described as being attached to a base with the wholearrangement (seat and base) being situated on and secured to the seat ofa vehicle. However, in other examples, the child seat may beattached/incorporated into a stroller, a piece of furniture, or othertypes of devices. In still other examples, the base may be incorporatedinto the seat of the vehicle. Additionally, when used in a vehicle, theseat may be formed and configured to be used as an infant seat that isrear-facing. Other examples for placement and uses for the child seatare possible.

As shown in FIGS. 1 a-d, the child seating system 100 includes a formedseat 106 and a base 104. In this example, the base 104 is secured to thetop surface of a vehicle seat. However, as mentioned above, it will beappreciated that the base 104 can be incorporated into the vehicle seatas well. The base 104 may be constructed of any suitable material suchas plastic and may be of a substantially circular shape with a break oropening in the middle. The base 104 may also be metallic to provide aninterface between the seat 106 and the seat of the vehicle. Otherexamples of materials may also be used to form the base 104. The base104 may include a lip, ring, or other receiving member that communicateswith the seat 106 and allows rotation of the seat along any number ofaxes.

As shown in FIG. 1 d (a cross-sectional view of the child seating system100 taken along line 128), the formed seat 106 includes an inner shell112 and an outer shell 110. In one example, the dimensions of the innershell 112 and outer shell 110 ensure that a void or space 126 is formedand exists between the inner shell 112 and the outer shell 110.Alternatively, the formed seat 106 may be constructed from a singleelement or more than two elements. The void 126 that is formed may be ofa variety of dimensions and shapes, but, in this example, is larger atthe rear of the child seating system 100. The void 126 can be leftunfilled with solid material (i.e., the void 126 may remain filled withair) or the void 126 may be filled with a cushioning material (e.g., airbags, air sacks, supportive lattice, or the like). The inner shell 112is coupled to the outer shell 110 with any suitable coupling mechanismsuch as by a sliding locking member formed or attached to the innershell 112 that is received by a receptacle in the outer shell 110.Alternatively, other approaches can be used to couple the inner shell112 to the outer shell 110 such as screws, bolts, levers, or any othertype or combination of coupling elements.

The formed seat 106 and its components (e.g., the inner shell 112 andthe outer shell 110) may also be constructed from any suitable rigidmaterial. For instance, the inner shell 112 and outer shell 110 may beformed from plastic or structural foam. The material may be of ahoney-comb or lattice structure. The inner shell 112 and the outer shell110 may be formed by any suitable technique such as by using injectionmolding, milling, or any other appropriate approach. Other materials andtechniques may also be used to form the inner shell 112 and the outershell 110. The outer shell 110 rests on surface (e.g., a circularsurface) of the base 104. The shells 110 and/or 112 may also beperforated with ventilation openings to increase air circulation andprovide additional comfort for the child passenger.

The outer shell 110 has an outer form or shape. The outer form or shapeincludes a substantially continuously-formed side portion 132 and topenclosure portion 130 that may protect the child occupying the formedseat. More specifically, the portions 130 and 132 may be shaped and havedimensions such that vital portions of the child's body (e.g., the headand vital organs) are enclosed, shielded, or protected. In otherapproaches, the portions 130 and 132 may be configured so thatsubstantially the entire body (i.e., head, torso, and extremities) ofthe child passenger is enclosed, shielded, and/or protected. In anotherapproach and as described elsewhere in this specification, the formedseat 106 may include one or more tubular members, rods, channels, orplates to protect the child in case of an accident of the vehicle. Otherapproaches and/or protective members or components may also be used toprotect the child.

The formed seat 106 is covered by panels or cushions 116, 118, 119, 120,122, and 124. The panels or cushions 116, 118, 119, 120, and 122 providethe seating surface for the passenger. The panels or cushions 116, 118,119, 120, and 122 are used to adjust the available passenger volume ofthe seat. In this regard, the number of cushions, their individualthicknesses, or other properties or dimensions can be varied. In sodoing, a better fit between the seat and particular occupants havingdiffering physical characteristics can be achieved. The panels orcushions 116, 118, 119, 120, 122, and 124 also provide for thecushioning of the child as the seat moves (e.g., as the vehicle moves orturns) and, in one example, may be constructed of a variable densitymemory foam that is washable.

A handle 102 (or other actuator) is actuated to unlock the child seat106 from the base 104 and rotate the seat 106 between a forward-facingand side-facing position. An opening 101 in the front of the base 104allows for placement of the handle 102. The handle 102 may include aconnector, which secures the handle to the seat 106.

The handle 102 may be actuated (e.g., pulled, snapped up, or rotated)and, in a substantially continuous movement, the formed seat 106 rotatedalong a first axis and along a second axis. Although a handle is shownin the examples described herein, it will be appreciated that any typeof actuator such as a rotatable knob, lever, or switch may also be used.Other examples of actuators are possible.

The rotation about the two axes may be simultaneous or sequential. Forexample, the seat 106 may be simultaneously rotated about the base andvertically adjusted or first rotated and then vertically adjusted. Thehandle 102 may also be used to turn the seat 106 about the base 104.Additionally, it will be appreciated that rotation about any number ofaxes can be accomplished using the techniques described herein.

A connector 108 is used to connect the system 100 to a seat in thevehicle. For example, the connector 108 may include a loop or some othermechanism to secure the seat belts of the vehicle to the base 104thereby securing the system 100 to the vehicle.

In one example, tubular protective members 114 provide a protectiveframe that shields the seat occupant from the impact of a crash. Asdescribed herein, other examples of protective members are possible.

Substantially vertical slots 117 allow placement of a harness (not shownin FIGS. 1 a-1 d). In one example, the harness may be a five-pointharness that is incorporated into the seat 106 and is retracted by aretractor. Alternatively, an existing harness or seat belt of thevehicle may be used. As described elsewhere in the specification, anindexing system may also be used to allow the harness position to beadjusted within the substantially vertical slots 117. For example, theindexing system may allow adjustments to be made to the placement of theharness to take into account the age, weight, height, or othercharacteristic of the child.

Referring now to FIG. 2, another example of a child seating system 200is described. The seating system 200 includes a formed seat 202 and abase 204. As with the example of FIG. 1, the formed seat 202communicates with the base 204 and rotates about the base 204. In thisregard, the seat 202 may rest or communicate with a lip or ring on thebase 204. This placement of the formed seat 202 in the base 204 allowsthe seat 202 to rotate about any number of axes. Seating panels orcushions 206, 208 and 210 are positioned on a surface of the formed seat202.

In one example of the operation of the system of FIG. 2, the formed seat202 is rotated about the base 204. As the formed seat 202 rotates aboutthe base 204, the formed seat 202 rotates along a first axis 212(between a forward-facing position and a side-facing position) and asecond axis 214 (vertically up and down). While, in this example,movement is about the axes 212 and 214, it will be appreciated thatmovement may be made along any combination of the first axis 212, secondaxis 214, and a third axis 216. Additionally, the movement about theaxes 212, 214, and/or 216 may be simultaneous with respect to the othersor sequential with respect to the others. For instance, the seat mayrotate simultaneously around the axis 212 and vertically around the axis214. In another example, the seat 202 may be first turned around theaxis 212 and then vertically adjusted about the axis 214.

The seat 202 may be locked in the forward-facing position to the base204 and a handle 205 is actuated to unlock the seat 202 from the base204. Then, in one substantially continuous movement, the seat 202 ismoved approximately 90 degrees by the handle 205 from the forward-facingposition to the side-facing position. When the seat 202 is in theside-facing position, the child may be placed in the seat 202 and theseat 202 may be rotated back to the forward-facing position from theside-facing position. As the seat 202 is rotated, the axes 212, 214,and/or 216 rotate with respect to the seat 202 and, in this example, theseat 202 rotates about the axis 216 and the axis 212. The rotation ofthe seat 202 about the two axes 212 and 216 allows an adult to moreeasily place a child in the seat 202 or remove a child from the seat 202without the need to resort to complicated or difficult adjustmentsand/or actuations of the seat 202.

Referring now to FIG. 3 a, one example of the spacing between the innershell and outer shell of a child seating system is described. As show inFIG. 3 a, the seating system includes a seat 302 and a base 304. Ahandle or actuator 306 actuates and allows rotation of the seat 302about the base 304 as is described elsewhere in this specification.Latch connector 308 secures the base to a vehicle seat also as describedelsewhere in this specification. A top tether 310 secures the top of theseat 302 to the vehicle, and may be removed to allow for rotation.

As shown in the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 3 b and 3 c, the seat 302includes an inner shell 312 and an outer shell 314. The inner shell 312and the outer shell 314 are coupled together, for example, using pins,screws, bolts, locks, or some other coupling arrangement. In oneexample, the inner shell 312 and outer shell 314 do not fit snuggly ortightly against each other in all places. Instead, the inner shell 312and outer shell 314 are formed and configured so that a void 311 isformed and exists between the inner shell 312 and outer shell 314. Inthe example of FIG. 3 b, small air packets 316 are used to fill at leastsome portions of the void 311. In the example of FIG. 3 c, larger airchambers 314 are used to fill at least some portions of the void 311. Instill another example, the void 311 is left empty and unfilled by anymaterial (except by air). Filling at least some portions of the voidwith cushioning materials allows additional protection to be providedfor the child. Additionally, the use of these additional materials maycushion the ride of the child in the seat, for example, as the vehicle(in which the seat is situated) moves.

Referring now to FIG. 4, another example of a child seating system 400is described. The seating system 400 includes an outer shell 402 and aninner shell 425. One or more coupling members 413 on the inner shell 425extend, snap, or are otherwise secured in to one or more correspondingreceptacles 423 in the outer shell 402 to couple the inner shell 425 tothe outer shell 402. Alternatively, other types of coupling arrangementsare possible.

The outer shell 402 is formed around the protective members 409, 410,and 411. Alternatively, the protective members 409, 410, and 411 can bepositioned between the inner and outer shells. The protective members409, 410, and 411 are, in one example, arranged to provide protectionfor the head or other vital or sensitive areas of the body of the childin case of an accident.

In this example, the protective members 409, 410, and 411 are solidmetallic tubes. Alternatively, the metallic tubes may be hollow. Instill other examples, other protective members may be used such asmetallic meshes. In one approach, injection molding approaches can beused to form the shell around the protective members.

A handle or actuator 401 is coupled to a cable 403, which is in turncoupled to locking pins 406 (one shown in FIG. 4). It will beappreciated that the cable 403 can be constructed of wire or any othersuitable material. Alternatively, the cable 403 may be replaced withsome other connective arrangement such as levers or a combination ofcables and levers. Other examples of connective arrangements may also beused.

When actuated, the handle 401 pulls the locking pin 406 from openings408 in grooves (or pin guides) 405 that are disposed in a base 404thereby allowing rotation of the seat about the base 404. Although onlytwo locking pins are shown, it will be appreciated that any number oflocking pins can be used. In the locked position (e.g., in theforward-facing position) the locking pins 406 are retained in theopenings 408 that extend through the base 404. In other words, since thelocking pins 406 extend fully through the base 404, the seat cannot bemoved. In other examples, the openings 408 are receptacles that do notextend fully through the base 404. It will be appreciated that anynumber of locking positions (including zero) may be used.

The cable 403 may be positioned in a channel in outer shell 402. Inalternative arrangements, the cable 403 may be tunneled through theouter shell 402.

When the locking pins 406 are removed from the openings 408 by thehandle 401, the seat (i.e., the inner shell and outer shell assembly) isallowed to rotate about the base 404. In this example, the length of thegrooves 405 are predetermined to allow the base 404 to rotateapproximately 90 degrees from the forward-facing position to theside-facing position. The length of the grooves 405 can be adjusted toprovide any degree of rotation. As the locking pins 406 move in thegrooves 405 as the seat is turned, the end of the grooves 405 areeventually reached, rotation of the locking pins 406 within the grooves405 are halted, and the locking pins come to a temporary stop and restin detents 407 (one of which is shown in FIG. 4). The detents 407defines a slight dip in the grooves 405 that provides a temporaryresting place for the locking pins 406. In this way, when the seat is inthe side-facing position, it is somewhat stable to allow for easierplacement of the child but is still not fully locked.

Seat panels or cushions 414 are placed on an outer surface of the innershell 425. The panels or cushions 414 adjust the available volume of theseat to take into account the age, size, weight, height, or otherphysical characteristic of the child. Besides adjusting for the physicalcharacteristics of the child, the panels or cushions 414 also cushionthe impact of forces to the child as the vehicle moves or turns. Asmentioned elsewhere in this specification, the seat panels and cushionsare removable elements that, in one example, may be constructed of avariable density memory foam material that is washable. Additionally,the seating surface may be constructed from other materials such asbreathable materials.

Substantially vertical slots 420 extend through the inner shell 425 andallow harnesses to be used to secure the child. In this example, theharness may be incorporated into the seat system. Latch connectors 422are used to secure the base 404 to a vehicle seat. For example, the base404 may include slots to encompass the safety belts of the vehicle. Inother examples, fixed horizontal slots may be used.

Referring now to FIG. 5, an example of the locking pin arrangement isshown. It will be appreciated that any number of the locking pinarrangements described with respect to FIG. 5 can be used in the seatingsystems described herein. A locking pin 502 is placed through an opening504 in the base 506. The locking pin 502 is forced into the opening 504by the compressive force provided by a spring 515. In one example, thespring 515 may be a steel torsional spring, although any appropriatespring may be used. A first connection member 508 (e.g., a wire cable)extends to a first handle (not shown in FIG. 5) and a ring 510 is boundto a second connection member 509 to a second handle (e.g., a releasegrip, also not shown in FIG. 5). The first connection member 508 iscoupled to the locking pin 502 by a suitable pin retainer 511. The pinretainer 511 connects the locking pin 502 to the first connection member508 and provides a surface for the force of the spring 505 to act.

The locking pin 502 extends into a holder 516 that may be formed with aseat shell 513. When the seat is not fully detached, the holder 516holds the locking pin 502 in place as the seat is rotated. The seatshell 513 rests on the base 506 and is allowed to rotate as the lockingpin 502 moves within a groove (or pin guide) 507. By resting on the base506, the seat is allowed to move about any number of axes. The groove507 may utilize a low frictional material that is bonded to the basesurface to act as a sliding contact for the locking pin 502 tofacilitate the smooth movement of the locking pin 502 within the groove507.

When in a locked position, the spring 515 forces the locking pin 502into the opening 504 and through the base 506. The first handle oractuator is actuated to pull the first connection member 508, which inturn pulls the locking pin 502 back (against the compressive force ofthe spring 505) and extracts the locking pin 502 from the opening 504thereby allowing movement of the locking pin 502 within the groove 507.Consequently, the seat is allowed to rotate about the base 506. Uponreturn, the spring 505 pushes the locking pin 502 into the opening 504in the base 506.

The second handle or actuator (e.g., a release grip) is used to pull thelocking pin 502 completely out of the opening 504 and also out of thegroove 507 in the base 506. This action completely disengages thelocking pin 502 from the base 506. After being fully detached, thelocking pin 502 may be reattached by releasing the actuator (e.g.,release grip) from the locked open position.

Referring now to FIG. 6, another example of the child seating system isdescribed. First opening 618 and second opening 614 extend through abase 601. A handle or actuator 602 is connected to a first locking pin604 and a second locking pin 606. Although two locking pins are shown inthe example of FIG. 6, it will be understood that any number of lockingpins can be used.

The first locking pin 604 is disposed within a first locking pin holder608 and the second locking pin 606 is disposed within a second lockingpin holder 610. In one approach, the locking pin holders 608 and 610 maybe incorporated into the seat.

When the seat is in a locked position, a first spring 612 providescompressive force to force the first locking pin 604 through the firstlocking pin holder 608 and through a first opening 618 in the base 601.A second spring 616 pushes the second locking pin 606 into the secondopening 614 in the base 601.

The handle 602 is actuated (e.g., pulled, moved, turned, or rotated)thereby pulling a cable 619. The pulling of the cable 619 pulls thelocking pins 604 and 606 thereby compressing the springs 612 and 616.This action removes the locking pins 604 and 606 from the openings 618and 614 thereby extracting the locking pins 604 and 606 and allowing thelocking pins 604 and 606 to move within grooves (or pin guides) 620 and622 (that are incorporated into the base 601) as the seat is turned bythe handle 602. Consequently, the seat is free to rotate about the base.As the locking pins 604 and 606 move within their respective grooves (orpin guides) 620 and 622, the end of the grooves 620 and 622 are reached,the movement of the locking pins 604 and 606 are stopped at the end ofthe grooves 620 and 622, and the locking pins 604 and 606 come to atemporary rest in detents 628 and 630. In this way, rotation of the seatis halted in the direction indicted by arrow 634. In one example, thedetents 628 and 630 are slight dips in the grooves 620 and 622 andprovide some stability for the seat system while at the same timeremaining in an unlocked position. The seat can then be rotated back tothe forward-facing position in the reverse order as described above andlocked again when the springs 612 and 616 force the locking pins 604 and606 into the openings 618 and 614.

Referring now to FIG. 7 a-d, examples of the child seating system ofFIG. 6 being rotated are described. FIG. 7 a illustrates the systembefore the handle 602 is actuated. In other words, the seat is in alocked position with the locking pins 604 and 606 being retained in theopenings 614 and 618.

FIG. 7 b illustrates the system after the handle 602 is actuated (e.g.,pulled out). The locking pins 604 and 606 have been removed from theopenings 614 and 618 and are now free to move within the grooves 620 and622. Consequently, the seat is free to rotate about the base (as it isturned by a user pulling or otherwise turning the handle 602) within thelimits imposed by the retention apparatus (e.g., the locking pinarrangement and the length of the grooves 620 and 622).

FIG. 7 c illustrates the system with the handle 602 still actuated(e.g., pulled out) and being used to rotate the seat. The locking pins604 and 606 (and seat) have now moved to a midpoint in the grooves 620and 622.

FIG. 7 d illustrates the system fully rotated (approximately 90 degrees)from the locked forward-facing position to the side-facing position.Here, the system has come to temporary rest and the locking pins 604 and606 have been stopped by the end of the grooves 620 and 622 and havecome rest in the detents 628 and 630.

Referring now to FIGS. 8 a-8 d, the rotation of a seat 642 about thebase 601 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 a-d is further described. FIG. 8 a showsthe seat 642 before the handle 602 is actuated. FIG. 8 b illustrates thesystem after the handle 602 has been actuated (e.g., pulled out). Thelocking pins 604 and 606 have been extracted from the openings in thebase and are now free to move within the grooves (or pin guides) 620 and622 in the base 601 and the seat 642 is free to rotate about the base601 (within the limits imposed by the retention apparatus).

FIG. 8 c illustrates the system as the seat 642 is rotated and as thehandle 602 is still pulled down and used to rotate the seat 642. Thelocking pins 604 and 606 are free to move in the grooves 620 and 622.FIG. 8 d illustrates the system when the seat 642 is fully rotated fromthe locked forward-facing position to the side-facing position. Here,the seat 642 has come to temporary rest and the locking pins 604 and 606are in the detents. It can be seen that as the seat 642 has been rotatedabout the base 601, and the seat 642 has rotated about axis 636 in thedirection of arrow 634 (to turn the seat 642) and about axis 638 in thedirection of arrow 640 (vertically up and down). Rotation about the axes636 and 638 may be simultaneous or sequential. Consequently, using theapproaches described herein, the seat can be easily rotated about two ormore axes (e.g., allowing rotation from and a front-facing position to aside facing position and also providing vertical movement of the seat)making it easier for a user to place and secure a child in the seat.

Referring now to FIGS. 9 a-c, examples of an approach for completelydisengaging the retention apparatus from the base are described. In thisexample, a seat 902 fits onto or rests on the base 901. An actuator(e.g., release grip) 906 is accessible through an opening in the bottomof the seat 902 and is connected to the locking pins 908 and 910 viacables 912 and 914. This placement of the actuator 906 preventsunintended access of the actuator 906 by the child.

The cable 914 is connected to a handle 918. As shown in FIG. 9 b, theactuator (e.g., release grip) 906 is actuated by moving it in adirection indicated by an arrow 920. Actuating the actuator (e.g.,release grip) 906 pulls the locking pins out of the openings in base 901and also out of grooves (or pin guides) 922 and 924. In so doing, theseat 902 is completely disengaged from and can be removed from the base901.

Referring now to FIG. 10 a-f, an example of a seating system 1000 usinga harness is described. A seating system 1000 includes a formed seat1002 and a base 1004. As shown in FIG. 10 a, the seating system 1000also includes index markers 1008. The index markers 1008 indicatepositions where the harness 1006 can be positioned with substantiallyvertical slots 1010 based upon information related to the child. In thisregard, the index markers 1008 may be numbered and/or otherwisecorrelated with the child's age, weight, or height to give a fewexamples. The index markers 1008 may be painted on to the seat, decalsmay be used, or some other marking or indicting mechanism or approachmay be used.

As shown in FIGS. 10 b and 10 c, the seating system includes a harness1006 and the harness 1006 fits through a harness guide 1009 (i.e., aharness fits across a harness guide in each of the substantiallyvertical slots). As shown in FIGS. 10 d and 10 e, the harness guide 1009fits within the substantially vertical slots 1010 and is allowed to moveup and down the substantially vertical slots 1010. In each of thesubstantially vertical slots 1010, the harness 1006 fits over theharness guide 1009 and, consequently supports and directs the harness1006. Using the harness guide 1009, an adult or other person can adjustthe position of the harness 1006 so that it fits comfortably andappropriately over the shoulders of a child and taking into accountfactors such as the weight, height, or age of the child. As shown inFIG. 10 c, a belt retractor 1001 is used to retract the harness 1006.

As shown in FIG. 10 f, the back of an inner shell 1012 of the seat mayinclude jagged retention edges 1014 so that the harness guide 1009 maycatch and be secured into place by the retention edges 1014.Alternatively, other mechanisms may be used to hold the harness guide1009 in place.

In many of the examples described herein, the seating system wasdescribed as being a forward-facing child car seat positioned on a seatin of any type of vehicle including cars, trains, boats, aircraft,trucks, or tractors (to name a few). Referring now to FIGS. 11-14, otherexamples of the usage of the child seating system are described. It willbe appreciated that the approaches described herein are examples onlyand other examples are possible. Also, it will be understood that thebases as between different systems can be identical or substantiallyidentical to allow the seat to be moved between and be interchangeablyused with different systems. In one example, the seat can be movedbetween a base in the vehicle, a stroller, and a piece of furniture.

Referring now to FIG. 11, a seating system 1100 includes a formed seat1102 and a base 1104. In this example, the base 1104 is integral with avehicle seat 1106 situated in any type of vehicle. In this example, theseating system has the same elements as those described above to allowfor the rotation of the formed seat 1102 and these will not be furtherdiscussed here.

Referring now to FIG. 12, a seating system 1200 includes a formed seat1202 that is an infant seat and a base 1204 that holds and provides forrotation of the infant seat 1202. The base 1204 is coupled to a vehicleseat 1206 with a latch connector 1208. For example, the latch connector1208 may include a loop or other arrangement and a user threads thesafety belt of the vehicle through the loop thereby securing the base1204 to the vehicle seat 1206. In this example, the seating system hasthe same elements as those described above to allow for the rotation ofthe formed seat 1202 and these will not be further discussed here.

Referring now to FIG. 13, a seating system 1300 includes a formed seat1302 and a base 1304 that is incorporated into a stroller 1306. Thestroller 1306 may be any type of stroller for holding and transportinginfants and/or older children. In one example, the base 1304 isincorporated into (e.g., formed as part of and with) the stroller.

In another example, the base 1304 is a separate piece that attaches tothe stroller 1306 through any appropriate attachment mechanism such asscrews, bolts nails, or clips. Other examples of attachment mechanismsare possible. In this example, the seating system has the same elementsas those described above to allow for the rotation of the formed seat1302 and these will not be further discussed here.

Referring now to FIG. 14, a seating system 1400 includes a formed seat1402 and a base 1404 that is incorporated into furniture 1406. Thefurniture 1406 may be any type of furniture (e.g., a high chair, othertype of chair or sofa) that is configured to allow placement orattachment of the base 1404. In this regard, the base 1404 may beincorporated into (e.g., formed as part of and with) the furniture ormay be a separate element that is attached to the furniture through anyappropriate attachment mechanism such as screw, bolts, or clips. Otherexamples of attachment mechanisms are possible. In this example, theseating system has the same elements as those described above to allowfor the rotation of the formed seat 1402 and these will not be furtherdiscussed here. The furniture 1406 may be stationary or movable.

Thus, approaches are provided that allow a child seat to be easily andquickly rotated so that a child can be quickly and easily placed andsecured in the seat. The system is easy to use and, in some examples,provides enhanced protection for the occupant of the seat. The system isalso flexible to use. In this regard, the seat can be interchangeablyused within different systems (e.g., child seats in vehicles, strollers,furniture).

Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety ofmodifications, alterations, and combinations can be made with respect tothe above described embodiments without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention, and that such modifications, alterations, andcombinations are to be viewed as being within the scope of theinvention.

1. A seating system for a child comprising: a base; a formed seatarranged so as to communicate with and selectively rotate about thebase; and a retention apparatus including a first handle, the retentionapparatus securing the formed seat to the base and wherein a singleactuation and substantially continuous movement of the first handlecauses the formed seat to move around the base with respect to at leasttwo different axes.
 2. The seating system of claim 1 wherein the formedseat comprises an outer form and wherein the outer form comprises asubstantially continuously-formed side portion and top enclosure portionthat protect substantially the entirety of a passenger occupying theformed seat.
 3. The seating system of claim 1 wherein the retentionapparatus comprises at least one coupler configured to be received in atleast one receptacle disposed in the base, the retention apparatusfurther comprising at least one connection member coupled to the atleast one coupler.
 4. The seating system of claim 3 wherein the at leastone connection member comprises at least one element selected from thegroup consisting of: at least one cable, at least one cord, at least onewire, and at least one lever.
 5. The seating system of claim 1 whereinthe formed seat comprises at least one element selected from the groupconsisting of: at least one tubular member, at least one rod, at leastone channel, and at least one plate.
 6. The seating system of claim 1further comprising a second handle, the second handle coupled to theretention apparatus, the second handle for completely disengaging theformed seat from the base.
 7. The seating system of claim 1 furthercomprising at least one harness.
 8. The seating system of claim 1further comprising at least one of substantially vertical slots forpositioning the at least one harness.
 9. The seating system of claim 1further comprising an indexing system for determining a position for atleast harness to be positioned in at least one substantially verticalslot.
 10. The seating system of claim 1 wherein elements of the base areintegrated into a receiving structure, the receiving structure selectedfrom a group consisting of a vehicular seat, a seat in an aircraft, astroller, and furniture.
 11. The seating system of claim 1 wherein theformed seat is configured with the base so as to be lockable to the basein only a single forward-facing position.
 12. The seating system ofclaim 1 wherein the formed seat further comprises ventilation openings.13. The seating system of claim 1 wherein at least one portion of theformed seat comprises a breathable material.
 14. The seating system ofclaim 1 further comprising at least one panel attachable to the formedseat, the at least one panel adjusting an available passenger volume ofthe seat.
 15. The seating system of claim 1 wherein the base is anelement selected from a group comprising: a base adapted to be attachedto a vehicle seat, a base adapted to be attached to an aircraft seat; abase adapted to be attached to a stroller, and a base adapted to beattached to a piece of furniture.
 16. The seating system of claim 1wherein the base comprises a detent for temporarily retaining the formedseat in a side-facing position.
 17. The seating system of claim 1wherein the formed seat comprises an inner shell and an outer shell. 18.The seating system of claim 17 wherein the inner shell and the outershell form an open space that is situated between the inner shell andthe outer shell.
 19. A method of rotating a child seat comprising:providing a child seat; securing the child seat to a base with aretention apparatus; and actuating a first handle on the retentionapparatus and, in a substantially continuous movement, rotating thechild seat along a first axis and along a second axis.
 20. The method ofclaim 19 further comprising actuating a second handle positioned at asecure location at the child seat, the actuating of the second handlecausing the child seat to fully disengage from the base.
 21. The methodof claim 19 further comprising fully disengaging the child seat from thebase using the first handle.
 22. The method of claim 19 furthercomprising providing at least one harness with the child seat andadjusting the at least one harness through at least one substantiallyvertical slots in the child seat.
 23. The method of claim 22 whereinadjusting the at least one harness comprises adjusting the at least oneharness using an indexing system.
 24. The method of claim 19 furthercomprising placing a child in the child seat when the child seat is in aside-facing position and thereafter rotating the child seat to aforward-facing position.
 25. The method of claim 24 further comprisingsubsequently locking the child seat in the forward-facing position.